My tree hugger moment

[FJ1200W]

https://www.columbiamissourian.com/visuals/photos/steve-baumann-covers-up-hate-on-bur-oak-tree/image_1823913a-667d-11eb-8a0e-d74d52b73a60.html

[FJ1200W]

We have a 400 year old Burr Oak tree down in the river bottoms.
My father took 1st me there back in the 1960's.
It's been a party place, a romantic place, a meeting place, heck, it's usually a stop on most motorcycle rides.
People have had too much time on their hands, and it's been "discovered".
There has been a huge problem with graffiti, and one of the locals advised that painting over the paint with mud was the best option - Arborist approved!
I had covered up the other graffiti earlier but rain and another vandal had uncovered some of it.
When I heard someone tagged it with the "N" word twice, I had to take action.
Luckily I beat the reporter there - The word was out there was a "hate crime", the ball was rolling, and that needed to stop and end immediately.
I'm glad I was there in time to keep it (the "hate" crime)  from getting blown totally out of proportion.
The Big Bur Oak - Hopefully it's there for at least a few more generations, if not more.

[FJ1200W]

The tree was recently hit by lightning and caught fire.
There was a lightning rod installed, but within a week, the copper was stolen.
I H8 thieves

[FJ1200W]

It's a destination

[FJ1200W]

Down from the tree is "Grocery Branch Road".

It's a little rough now, but still works for 1/8+ mile drags.

Maybe 3300' long.

It's a good time.